Introduction
You can skip the drive-thru and recreate the iconic fast-food breakfast classic right in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe delivers that familiar savory combination of sausage, egg, and melty cheese on a toasted English muffin. It’s a simple, satisfying meal perfect for a weekend treat or a make-ahead morning.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 6 English muffins
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 6 slices American cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage Patties: Divide the breakfast sausage into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty roughly the same diameter as your English muffins.
- Cook the Patties: Cook the sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely browned. Set aside on a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Cook the Eggs: In the same skillet (add a little butter if it seems dry), cook the eggs. For the classic “egg round” shape, you can use an egg ring or the lid from a wide-mouth mason jar. Crack an egg into the ring, break the yolk gently with a fork, and cook until the white is set. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Repeat for all eggs.
- Toast the Muffins: While the eggs cook, split the English muffins. Spread the salted butter on the cut sides and toast them in a toaster, toaster oven, or a clean skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
- Assemble: Place the bottom half of a toasted English muffin on a plate. Top with one slice of American cheese, one cooked sausage patty, and one cooked egg. Cap it with the top half of the muffin. Repeat to assemble all 6 sandwiches. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Egg Technique: Instead of using a ring, scramble each egg lightly in a small bowl and pour it into a greased, round cookie cutter in the pan to achieve a perfect shape.
- Cheesy Twist: For extra cheesiness, place the cheese slice on the bottom muffin half so it gets slightly melted by the warmth of the patty.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble sandwiches without toasting the muffins, wrap each tightly in parchment paper and foil, and freeze. Reheat from frozen.
- Double Protein: Use two sausage patties per sandwich for a heartier version.
Tips for Success
- Pat the sausage patties thin, as they will plump up slightly when cooked. Press a small indent in the center of each raw patty to help it cook flat.
- Keep the heat at medium for the eggs to prevent the bottoms from browning too much before the tops set.
- Lightly buttering the inside of the egg ring before adding the egg will help it release cleanly.
- Cover the cooking eggs with a lid for the last minute to ensure the whites are fully set, mimicking the steam-assisted cooking used for the original.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, unwrap and microwave for 45-60 seconds until hot. For best texture, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, but American cheese is recommended for its authentic flavor and perfect melting qualities.
My sausage patties are shrinking. How can I prevent that?
Avoid over-handling the meat. Gently shape the patties and make a small thumbprint in the center before cooking to counteract shrinking.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or oven.
What if I don’t have an egg ring?
You can use a clean, empty tuna can with both ends removed, or simply cook the eggs free-form and trim them into a round shape with a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass after cooking.
Is there a way to make the eggs less greasy?
Cook the sausage patties first, then drain most of the rendered fat from the pan before cooking the eggs.
Can I use pre-cooked frozen sausage patties?
Yes, you can. Simply heat them according to package directions and proceed with the recipe.
